Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In recent months, we have seen a number of news stories pertaining to the possible ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is a heating, air conditioning and plumbing company talking about gas stoves? We'll tell you in a moment! First, we wanted to try and cut through the hype, confusion and misinformation to present a recap of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are an estimated 40 million gas stoves in the U.S. and no, “the government” is not coming for your gas stove. Yet several cities — and some states — are already moving away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce CO2, specifically in new construction homes. This will make it worthless to buy a gas stove, whether or not they are actually banned.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the subject of controversy due to several recent reports that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be hazardous to your health. Namely, worsening respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air found in our homes (and businesses) is much less than excellent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed reports that indicate indoor levels of airborne pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

While gas stoves may contribute to poor indoor air quality, they are definitely not the only factor. Others may be:

• Occupants Within the Home: People and pets at home produce carbon dioxide (CO2), odors, vape smoke and pet dander (a common allergen).
• Other Combustion Appliances: Other fuel (or wood/oil burning) appliances such as space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Building Materials and Furnishings: Paints, carpeting, fiberglass, particle board and fabrics may produce harmful substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Many popular cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals.
• Nearby Soil: Radon gas and stormwater runoff may enter the home via the basement or crawl space from the foundation bordering the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: Naturally there are energy savings benefits, but homes that are well insulated are “sealed up” and as a consequence won’t have as much infiltration from fresh, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are formal guidelines for residential ventilation and satisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are often referred to as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have generally adopted these standards to determine minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in an effort to reduce any negative effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for everyone.

That being said, the final performance of your ventilation is not directly measured or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly reliant on the local environment outdoors, the square footage of the home and other factors. The true ventilation performance in the average home may vary.

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your preference. You don’t have to trash your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to be forced to decide between your gas stove and the potential for poor indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real key to this debate.

First, anytime you prepare a meal with a gas stove, you ought to use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are properly released out of your home. But honestly: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which is our next point. There are more suitable whole-home ventilation solutions that will significantly improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing you to be the #1 chef in your home. Read on to find out more about the possible solutions for your home.

So, why is a HVAC company thinking about gas stoves? Well, the “V” in HVAC stands for “Ventilation” and “There’s an Expert for That”! To learn more about these appliances and which system might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 704-705-8135.